An defence minister has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is currently looking into the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made vehicles, and staff have been advised to avoid talking about classified information in all vehicles.
Security Advice for MoD Personnel
In a recently aired interview on a radio station, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been instructed not to talk about secret information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He said that the MoD is “looking into” cars from China within its vehicle pools, however noted that safety is a issue in every contemporary vehicles.
We have a fleet of tens of thousands of vehicles in the Ministry of Defence and Chinese ones represent a tiny fraction.
But whether you’re traveling in a vehicle from China or a car from another country, our instruction to our people is to avoid connecting MoD devices into their vehicle, to avoid having discussions at a secret classification in any car, due to the increasing threats of surveillance that exist in every single vehicle, to only have those secret talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about safety.
After it was put to him that it would be prudent for the ministry to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: That is precisely what we are looking into at the present time.”
Wider Security Background
The announcement follows reports from Norway and Denmark have warned the United Kingdom to the existence of multi-purpose kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses, which could allow China to switch off buses and cause disruption to transport systems.
Furthermore, a Russia intelligence vessel has been shining lasers at Royal Air Force aircrew, labeled a “extremely risky” act by government representatives.
The broader security situation underscores the significance of strong protocols and vigilance in every aspects of government activities, from vehicle use to discussions habits.
